Do I Have Nonallergic Rhinitis?

Do you have stuffy or runny nose?

Do you sneeze?

Do you have mucus that runs down the back of your nose to your throat (postnasal drip)?

Do you have a mild irritation or discomfort in and around your nose?

Do you feel a pressure or pain in your nose?

Do you have diminished sense of smell?

Do you cough?

Do you have a headache in the front of your head?

Do you have a crust inside your nose that can cause bleeding if you try to remove it?

Do your symptoms worsen when you eat spicy foods, drink alcohol or take certain medications?

Are you often exposed to fumes, chemicals or other airborne irritants?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have nonallergic rhinitis. Nonallergic rhinitis is a medical condition that refers to an inflammation of the tissues inside your nose. The other name for this condition is vasomotor rhinitis. Although, nonallergic rhinitis has similar symptoms to allergic rhinitis, this condition is not the result of exposure to allergens. The exact cause of nonallergic rhinitis is still unknown.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have nonallergic rhinitis. Nonallergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the tissues in your nose. The blood vessels in your nose dilate, filling the nasal mucosa with blood and fluid which results in swelling of the nasal tissue. Most people with nonallergic rhinitis have symptoms that come and go over the year. The symptoms are usually triggered by environmental irritants (smoke, spicy food, stress, and odors), certain medication or hormonal changes. Diagnosing nonallergic rhinitis is based on your symptoms, physical examination and ruling out allergic rhinitis. To do this, your doctor may order skin and blood tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have nonallergic rhinitis. Nonallergic rhinitis represents an inflammation of your nasal tissues and it is characterized by a group of symptoms very similar to allergies and hay fever. However, the immune system, which plays an important role in the development of allergies, has nothing to do with non-allergic rhinitis. It is a common condition and about 19 million of Americans have nonallergic rhinitis. In some cases nonallergic rhinitis may cause complications such as nasal polyps, sinusitis and middle ear infections. Treatment includes over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve your symptoms.